David Lock

That when driving an automatic you have to put your foot on the brake pedal before the auto shift will move from "Park" position to "Drive".


I've had automatics in the past but many years ago and this certainly wasn't the case then.


So after an embarrassing call to my garage I learnt this basic rule - not to be forgotten.


Did I fell stupid - err yes


D

Why don't my smilies work properly??

legb4rsk

'Why don't my smilies work properly??'

You have to put your foot on the keyboard!!!

DYK

Nothing like the real thing...Ban automaticks

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

....unless you have a "shift lock" button: that bypasses the need to press the brake to move the gear lever. Japanese (Asin Warner) type automatics tend to have these for some odd reason - handy when the brake pedal switch is faulty. Something you often find out on a VAG DSG auto as it Won't shift out of park with a faulty brake switch

Next one; try removing the key on a German automatic when it's not in park or on later ones: trying to get it to stay in neutral!

And how do you get out of Park on a newish BMW, Jag or Landrover when the battery is totally dead/disconnected to tow/push ?? Instruction manual in jag/LR will say refer to dealer. I say remove the ashtray/cup holder and pull the red lever (or insert screwdriver into slot and pull back for BMWs). Or Google it.

In the next episode we'll discuss disengaging automatic steering locks and electric handbrakes on cars with dead electrics...all fun and games